Editorial: Blockchain and tokenomics for sustainable development
Charalampos Alexopoulos, Enrico Ferro, Thomas J. Lampoltshammer · Frontiers in Blockchain · 2025
The purpose of innovation is to deliver a better world to future generations. Over the last decade, the emergence of blockchain technology as a key enabler in unlocking a new phase of the Internet evolution has attracted significant interest from both the academic [1] and the industrial world [2]. As the blockchain ecosystem matures, it is important to clarify how the new breed of global infrastructures created may be turned into value for society [3]. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), endorsed by the UN in 2015, offer a comprehensive framework for addressing a wide range of pressing global issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and sustainable economic growth. The purpose of this request for scientific contributions is to investigate and evaluate how blockchain technology may be leveraged to accelerate the achievement of SDGs.The overarching aim of this special issue is to shed light on how blockchain may contribute to the attainment of a triple-sustainability paradigm within the global economy [4]. It does so by encouraging the exploration of new business and governance models, as well as incentive systems aimed at better allocation, redistribution, and preservation of both financial and natural resources. Additionally, given the global nature of the most pressing policy challenges, there is a need to increase the level of international collaboration and coordination. In this respect, blockchain -through transparency and immutability -can play a key role in building a layer of trust, which represents a prerequisite for any collaboration effort at both the institutional and individual levels. This Research Topic was specifically interested in developing and strengthening original research on the emerging concept of blockchain toward the development of sustainable solutions that are also connected with the current SDGs. It gathered interdisciplinary contributions exploring the potential of blockchain in addressing various environmental, social, and economic challenges outlined in the SDGs and fostering discussions on the sustainable applications and implications of blockchain technology in achieving these global objectives. Two types of studies (review and domain-specific implementations) support the development and application of BCT.The first type of study includes an exploratory review of token economy aspects regarding BCT for local communities "Blockchain for local communities: an exploratory review of token economy aspects". The analysis involved 9 projects for systems that incentivize or reward participation or implement community currency schemes. The dimensions analyzed encompass the type of goals and communities, the blockchains adopted, and token economy design aspects such as: token types, their distribution and incentive mechanisms, the associated platform/wallet functionalities, and the project governance models. We have observed a variety of combinations of these elements being used to facilitate new forms of value circulation. However, there is a tension between the aspiration to introduce transformative systems and the need to ensure the stability of the economic framework.The second type of studies includes domain-specific contributions, including BCT developments in the domains of transportation, energy (hydrogen) production/certification, and greenhouse gas emissions:1. "Analyzing critical success factors using blockchain-based framework for intelligent transportation systems": the first study presents the case of Makkah and examines the incorporation of blockchain technology into Saudi Arabia's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), concentrating on enhancing the bus permission procedure for religious mass gatherings. The research examines the impact of reformulated CSFs on the proposed blockchain-based transportation framework (BTF), emphasizing key domains such as people (P1), technology (P2), the environment (P3), and organization (P4). The findings indicate that blockchain-related CSFs exhibit the greatest influence, which is 21.62, while financial CSFs demonstrate the least influence of 0.25. This research significantly addresses current system limitations and stimulates wider blockchain usage inside Intelligent Transportation Systems by developing a thorough mathematical model.2. "Is it green? Designing a blockchain-based certification system for the EU hydrogen market": this study designed and implemented a blockchain-based certification system (BLC-CS) for green hydrogen through collaboration with experts to gather requirements and conduct evaluations. The artifact streamlines the certification process for producers, regulators, and consumers. It facilitates information gathering, verification, and reporting, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy practices.3. "Tokenized carbon credits in voluntary carbon markets: the case of KlimaDAO": within the decentralized finance ecosystem, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations leverage the tokenization of carbon credits to enhance efficiency and transparency. KlimaDAO, established in August 2021, aims to accelerate the adoption of carbon markets by integrating blockchain technology to facilitate transparent, secure, and accessible carbon trading. This study analyzes the evolution of KlimaDAO by evaluating its market capitalization, token prices, staking participation, carbon credit retirements, market participation, and concentration. The analysis reveals that while KlimaDAO initially achieved significant engagement and activity, it now faces challenges associated with market maturity and participant retention. Finally, the study highlights the importance of standardization and regulatory frameworks to enhance interoperability, transparency, and legitimacy within the tokenized carbon market.The studies presented provide valuable insights (examination of 12 different projects/applications in the BCT domain) into the application of blockchain technology (BCT) across diverse domains, highlighting both its transformative potential and the challenges it faces. The studies reveal the versatility of BCT in fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and promoting transparency across various sectors. However, they also highlight the necessity for further research and the development of robust frameworks to address existing limitations and ensure broader adoption and sustainability. Regarding tokenomics, there are innovative ways in which blockchain systems facilitate value circulation through various combinations of token types, incentive mechanisms, and governance models. However, the tension between driving transformative change and maintaining economic stability remains a critical challenge. Finally, all the reviewed projects are well connected with different SDGs, mostly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.